Parks & Recreation

The City of Newark Parks & Recreation Department has a long history of providing the public with exceptional parks and services, with the goal of helping enhance the quality of life for children and families by providing a safe and fun environment for everyone to experience.

We oversee and maintain more than 20 parks and facilities and 11 miles of bike trails, and we have built partnerships with the Reese Foundation to oversee the Lou & Gib Reese Ice Arena and Licking County YMCA to operate Hollander Swimming Pool. From the beautiful grounds of the County Courthouse to the rustic charm of Horns Hill Park, our parks offer much to see and do - fishing, mountain biking, disc golf, skateboarding, hiking, walking, jogging, ice skating, swimming, bike riding, and picnicking, among other activities. The Department also coordinates several festivals and events each year, including the Jazz & Ribs Festival, the Irish Festival, and the Mayor’s Concert Series, just to name a few (please check out our event schedule below for all events).